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One of our favorite parts of designing a collection is getting to see the final product on a beautiful model, being worn just how we imagined. Follow along for an exclusive Behind The Scenes of this Spring’s photo shoot!

We chose to shoot our campaign at none other than Julie Soefer’s studio – she’s our go-to for all of our photography needs. Her new studio was designed by NEST Design Group and it was rewarding to get to personally see how well the space functioned!

Our models for the day started getting picture perfect bright and early! Did we mention two of the three models are part of the family? Kayla (the blonde) and Maddie (the brunette) were great additions to our photoshoot. This truly is a family affair!

After hair and makeup (thank you Victoria Callaway!), we started putting together looks. With the help of our stylist, Marzi, we put together the perfect blank canvas for our pieces that transition from daytime to poolside.

Shooting jewelry is truly an art. Janette and Jana were standing by with their keen eyes to adjust every detail – we at NEST pride ourselves on perfection!

After a long day of work, we were thrilled to kick our feet up and have a drink or two. To check out our full Spring ’19 Lookbook, visit nestjewelry.com. And use code SPRING to shop our styles with free shipping!

It’s the time of year that our calendars get filled with gatherings, parties and get-togethers. Some of these are planned and some get sprung on us last minute. To be prepared for whatever comes my way, I keep the ingredients for my Pimiento Party Dip stocked in my fridge. This dip is so quick and easy to make that it can be whipped up in a moment’s notice if an unexpected guest pops by.

Note of caution: this dip is known to make your guests come back for more so don’t feed it to anyone you don’t want to see again 🙂

Since I began making this my friends now come over with dip expectations so I better not run out!

Pimiento Party Dip is simple so each ingredient is key to its flavor. You must buy a good quality cheese to begin with. The brand 365 is the only shredded cheese I will buy because it tastes freshly shredded. Many times you will find that the packaged shredded cheese has a coating on it. This will not taste the best. If you cannot find the 365 cheese I suggest you buying blocked cheese and shred it yourself.

The other super important ingredient is the mayonnaise. Mr. Kensington’s Organic Mayonnaise will change your thoughts on all other brands of mayonnaise. I also really like their avocado mayonnaise and will use it interchangeably depending on what’s in my fridge at the moment. I buy all of this at Whole Foods but if you don’t have Whole Foods it’s worth finding, you will thank me.

I begin with adding equal parts sharp cheddar shredded cheese and Monterey jack cheese to a large bowl. In these pictures I used an entire bag of each. I previously made smaller batches but stopped doing that because it’s nice to keep the leftovers in the fridge for snacking.

Next I added 5-6 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise. As you get all the ingredients stirred together you can add more if you feel like. I always wait until the end to tweak it because you don’t want it to get too soggy.

Then I finely mince 4-5 slices of pickled jalapeños. This does not add a lot of heat but it adds amazing flavor. If you like it spicy then by all means add more!

I also like to pour a bit of the jalapeño juice to get that great flavor evenly distributed in the dip. I use about 2 tablespoons.

(If any of you don’t like spice at all you can omit the jalapeños and just add the same amount of juice from the pimientos.)

Next, I like to rough chop the pimientos so each delicious bite of dip will be sure to have one. When I first made this recipe I was trying to cut corners so I didn’t chop the pimientos. I found myself digging out the bites of dip that had pimientos and leaving the rest behind. To avoid having pimiento dip without pimientos we are going to take that extra 30 seconds and chop. It’s worth it.

After you add the CHOPPED pimientos to the bowl you can stir it until evenly mixed. I love that it has all the colors of Christmas represented.

After it is all mixed really well I add my secret ingredient. I have made the dip with and without this secret ingredient and although it is still quite delicious without, it is mind blowing with.

And this secret ingredient is……..Dill

The dill adds a complexity that just takes it over the top, not to mention it looks really pretty.

Now that we have the dip made we need a cracker to dip it. Sweet potato crackers are THE perfect pairing. I have tried other substitutes and it just will not do. I find these at Costco.

So now that I have made myself hungry, I am off to the store to pick up all the below ingredients. My family will be so happy!

I have had the privilege of traveling to some of the most beautiful places in the world. At the very top of my list is Holland during tulip blooming season. There are rows and rows of gorgeous flowers in every color imaginable. Pictures just don’t do it justice! The perfume from the hyacinth is almost intoxicating.

When I go to Holland I love to stay in the quaint town of Delft. This village was made famous by the Royal Delft Blue pottery that has been hand painted there since the 16th century. The last of these factories is still operational and open for tours.

Architecture of the Netherlands is distinctive and Delft is no exception. During the Dutch Golden Age, canals were dug and many tall narrow homes were built with intricate facades to show the wealth of the merchants living there. The name Delft actually stemmed from a word meaning “delving” or “digging.”

I stayed at a friend’s apartment right in the center of town. From the front windows we watched the merchants set up their wares and the people riding in on their bicycles to grab some fresh bread, cheese and flowers!

Sitting on the balcony in the back we had views of the old church steeples. This was a perfect respite after a long day of walking the city or exploring through one of these old churches.

We also saw the city hall, shopped for some Delft Blue pottery and encountered street performers of all sorts. If you turn the corner, you can visit the Vermeer Center and see beautiful works of art in the traditional Dutch style.

There isn’t a need for a car in the city. We did all our exploring by foot, bike or train. It’s all part of the ambiance.

Now the day we have all been waiting for: our experience at Keukenhof Flower Garden in Lisse. It is one of the largest flower gardens in the world and in April there are flowers blooming as far as the eye can see.

First we walked through millions of bulbs planted in the garden. They had everything from formal gardens to natural areas and even creative touches like old cars filled with flowers.

After spending hours strolling through the fields, it was time for the parade. This is a special treat since they only have it once a year. The year we went the theme was musicals. We saw Lion King, Singing in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and so many more. This year the parade will be on April 26, 2016.

The floats were beautiful but nothing compared to what we did next. We rented bicycles and rode through the fields of tulips and hyacinth. You cannot even imagine the aroma. Smell evokes such a strong memory. Now if I experience anything similar it takes me right back to that moment in time.

I hope you all have a chance to visit one day soon. I suddenly have the urge to plant some flowers. Guess I am headed to the garden center!

Spring is almost here and that means one thing…short enough sleeves to wear a ton of bracelets!! I LOVE this look! To wear it like a pro make sure to have various widths and materials. I like it best when worn with two to three widths of our horn bangles then add a skinny metal bangle or even the bi-cone stretch bracelet.

You can also keep it interesting by keeping all the materials the same but having a variety of shapes and sizes. The monochromatic look is very chic and super easy to wear.

Want to take the guesswork out? Great! We have put together a couple of stacks for you. Our Ebony Wood Bangles and our famous Mixed Horn Bangles mix well with almost any look and are great starter sets. They’re also the best bang for your buck because you can wear the bracelets as individuals, put on a few, or rock the whole thing!

If you want to jazz these up even more you can add a wide bangle. Just have fun with these! You can’t go wrong.

Maybe you already own some of our Skinny Bangle Sets that are essentials to any NEST collector. No need to get an entirely new stack, just add one or two Hammered Bangles in either gold or silver. Whatever the mood is for the day, NEST has a bangle to fit it!

Now it’s time to get shopping! Enjoy 10% off anything on our site from now through April 30 by using the code: STACK. THANK YOU for being NEST collectors. We love you!

It won’t be long until summer is here so now is the time to plan your next vacation! I highly recommend Stonewater Cove. It is truly a secluded oasis on Table Rock Lake. The landscape is lush green forest, rocky hillsides and crisp, clear water. This part of Missouri isn’t overdeveloped yet so you will feel a sense of peace that you just can’t get at a crowded resort.

We brought the entire family and every single one of us had a blast! Stonewater Cove offers luxurious accommodations, five-star dining and more activities than you could ever do during one stay. They have boating, fishing, hiking, zip-lining, bocce ball and mostly importantly a spa!

We were ready for some adventure so we took the ATV’s out the first day to go zip-line through the forest. The food at the end of the day was definitely the highlight. Unique and beautifully presented, each meal brought smiles to our faces. The following day we hit the lake for some skiing and wakeboarding. After a few wipeouts we decided to recover at the spa where freshly made snacks and a wonderful massage awaited us. Every evening after a competitive game of bocce ball, we would gather around the fire and roast marshmallows while reminiscing on our day. It’s like camp but with gourmet food and Egyptian cotton sheets!

At NEST we believe jewelry should be bought the same way you buy art. This is why we call our customers “collectors.” Each piece we make is designed to go along with current trends while also remaining classic so that you can easily add to your collection. Here are three simple steps to buying accessories you will wear forever:

1. Make sure you LOVE it.

We’ve all been there; we like a piece and we think we can make it work so we take it home and then it sits in the box or tucked away in our closet until we get rid of it. Don’t do that! If you love it the day you get it then you will always find yourself picking it up out of the jewelry box first. Take our iconic Chunky Necklace for example. We have made this necklace in every color imaginable for what seems like an eternity. You might think I would be over it but I still wear mine ALL THE TIME. It’s easy, eye-catching and definitely unique.

2. Mix and match.

To keep things interesting I suggest not always buying matching sets. I would pair our new Leather Horn Drop Statement Necklace that has a raw, tribal look with our simple Brushed Gold Bi-cone Stud Earrings. I like that the earrings don’t take away from the dramatic necklace. Although, if you want to dress this up then I would add our Horn Disc Cuff with the shiny gold, sleek edges. Don’t be afraid to mix metals!

3. Stock up on essentials.

The best way to keep your collection working from season to season is to have good basics that you can wear with anything. These are my top picks. I also call these my “travel pieces” because I can pack light and still have everything I need from day to night.

Long Gold Twist Necklace – $350

Gold Hammered Half Ball Stud Earrings – $95

Gold Hammered Dome Adjustable Ring – $95

Long Horn Teardrop Pendant Necklace – $195

Organic Horn Drop Earrings – $125

Horn and Gold Bangle Set – $250

Gold Hammered Thin Hoop Earrings – $95

Gold Hammered Curve Cuff – $250

After you build your essentials and mix and match like a pro, then it’s time to get a piece that will turn heads. My pick for this season is our Red Coral and Horn Link Necklace.

We want you to have a blast stocking up! Now through March 15, enjoy 20% off your entire purchase using the code: SPRING. Can’t wait to see your collections!

DESIGN: Cycladic Architecture

One of my favorite things to admire is architecture. Having an interior design background I can’t help but to observe the shapes, colors and textures of a space. The home we stayed in while visiting Mykonos, Greece took my breath away! Cycladic architecture is famous for simple whitewashed adobe with rounded corners and flat roofs.

As with all good design, form follows function. The small window openings and flat roofs are to help protect the homes from the wind. Even the beautiful foliage that grows up the walls serves as an insulation from the hot sun.

Many times development infiltrates these natural paradises and takes away from the overall beauty of the area. That is not the case in Mykonos. The contrast of the bright white buildings against the brown rock and blue Aegean Sea is nothing less than a work of art.

Subscribe to our blog so you won’t miss any design insights to come…possibly even a few of my own creations. ?

For my niece’s 21st birthday the family headed out to Napa Valley to explore and learn about “all things wine.” We flew into San Francisco and spent a few days touring the city before renting a large van and heading out to the valley. I have been to vineyards before and I know that a good experience comes from more than just the wine. You want to be pulled into the romance of the entire process: to see how the vines are grown, where it is stored, the wine maker’s philosophy, and most of all you want to hear a great story.

I discovered Long Meadow Ranch and immediately fell in love. They offered a full experience that started with an open-air ride up to Mayacamas Estate, where we toured the facility and of course tasted some wine.

After the tasting, we headed back down to the farmstead for a private wine and food paring. Delicious! They have the oldest olive grove in Napa, as well as fruit orchards, honeybees, chickens and cows.

We all had such a fantastic time that we decided to go check out their organic garden the following day. The restaurant manager was making his morning rounds, checking to see what fruits and vegetables were available for the chef to use in their restaurant. We got lucky; instead of running us off (we hadn’t exactly scheduled a tour…we’re a spontaneous group!) he took us around the property and even allowed us to do a bit of sampling. He also told us more about their full-circle farming technique. The term “going green” is trendy right now but at Long Meadow Ranch they use sustainable farm methods because it yields a better product at a better price. The gardens, farm, orchards and animals work together to contribute to their holistic approach.

As I’ve mentioned before, I prefer to stay in smaller boutique-style hotels. I enjoy the little things they have to offer that make the experience different and exciting. Napa Valley Lodge had that homey feel I was looking for. There was a large outdoor fire pit that the family gathered around in the evenings, a champagne breakfast that was absolute perfection and beds that seemed to curl around me like a cloud.

Now time for some adventure! If you are willing to wake up early (and I mean before the sun rises) then I highly suggest taking a hot air balloon ride over the valley. It was SUCH a tranquil experience.

The best part about waking up early for the balloon ride was that we had the entire afternoon to stroll through more vineyards. Castello di Amorosa caught our eye because of the Tuscan village exterior. We also stopped at Bale Grist Mill to get a lesson on how the water wheel was used to grind grain into flour “back in the day.” After our long day of exploring we were ready for a lovely dinner where we reminisced on our incredible trip. Napa, we will be back!

Guilt-free baked goods…what could be better? These muffins have more protein than conventional breakfast pastries, less carbs, no gluten and they still have all the flavor! These are my go-to on busy mornings. I don’t enjoy baking if it’s overly complicated so I have narrowed down the recipe to just a few ingredients. I had the recipe memorized after making them just a few times and I can whip them up in less than five minutes. A quick tip to cut down on dishes is to only use “1 cup” and “1 teaspoon” to measure and just eyeball it. I fill up the measuring cup halfway with oil and then top it off with the maple syrup. Easy peasy!

Fill up each paper-lined cup three quarters of the way with the mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes.

You can eat them hot, right out of the oven but they will stick to the paper liner. If you allow them to cool then they will peel away easily. You can also substitute the blueberries with cranberries. Bon Appétit!

Someone pinch me! The Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona is remodeling their exclusive gift shop and will now be carrying NEST Jewelry! We already had a tripped planned to Tucson for the gem show so we decided to check it while we were in town. Let’s face it, we were looking for any excuse to spend the day there and call it “work.” When we arrived at Miraval we were greeted with a freshly juiced carrot, apple and ginger drink. Yes, please! Then we are taken to a gorgeous room with a large fireplace to register and sign up for the classes or spa treatments we want to do. The facility is so beautiful we decided to take some time to walk around and soak it in.

The first activity we did was aerial yoga. The studio had beautiful silks flowing down from the ceiling and views of the mountain rage dotted by saguaro cacti. It would be impossible to not feel relaxed there.

Next we went to the dining hall for a delightful lunch. I had vegetable sushi, fresh salmon flown in that morning, and an olive oil cake with berries. Clean eating never tasted so good!

I’ve always wanted to have my own honeybees so I couldn’t wait for our tour at Miraval. Noel is a Master Bee Keeper. He doesn’t call himself a “master” but after three hours of walking, talking and swatting at bees with him, I decided he was a master. We had so much in common we could’ve talked all day.

Noel explained that he does not cut any corners when it comes to the beekeeping. He is a “purist.” We relate to that at NEST because we still do things the artisan way as well. We put on our bee suits while he began to smoke the hives. This is done to calm the bees. We got to sample some of the warm, sticky honey straight from the honeycomb. Delicious!

We have had the best day and it’s not even over yet! Our next activity is cocktails and appetizers with the chef. He whipped us up a fresh apple cider cocktail with honey and paired it with a fresh, seared tuna.

To top off the most fantastic day, we headed to the spa. We enjoyed the whirlpool, hot sauna, steam room and lounging around the outdoor fire pit. If you are ever looking to escape the crazy of everyday life, I highly recommend a stay at the Miraval Resort! Oh and be sure to stop by the gift shop too. 🙂

Someone pinch me! The Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona is remodeling their exclusive gift shop and will now be carrying NEST Jewelry! We already had a tripped planned to Tucson for the gem show so we decided to check it while we were in town. Let’s face it, we were looking for any excuse to spend the day there and call it “work.” When we arrived at Miraval we were greeted with a freshly juiced carrot, apple and ginger drink. Yes, please! Then we are taken to a gorgeous room with a large fireplace to register and sign up for the classes or spa treatments we want to do. The facility is so beautiful we decided to take some time to walk around and soak it in.

The first activity we did was aerial yoga. The studio had beautiful silks flowing down from the ceiling and views of the mountain rage dotted by saguaro cacti. It would be impossible to not feel relaxed there.

Next we went to the dining hall for a delightful lunch. I had vegetable sushi, fresh salmon flown in that morning, and an olive oil cake with berries. Clean eating never tasted so good!

I’ve always wanted to have my own honeybees so I couldn’t wait for our tour at Miraval. Noel is a Master Bee Keeper. He doesn’t call himself a “master” but after three hours of walking, talking and swatting at bees with him, I decided he was a master. We had so much in common we could’ve talked all day.

Noel explained that he does not cut any corners when it comes to the beekeeping. He is a “purist.” We relate to that at NEST because we still do things the artisan way as well. We put on our bee suits while he began to smoke the hives. This is done to calm the bees. We got to sample some of the warm, sticky honey straight from the honeycomb. Delicious!

We have had the best day and it’s not even over yet! Our next activity is cocktails and appetizers with the chef. He whipped us up a fresh apple cider cocktail with honey and paired it with a fresh, seared tuna.

To top off the most fantastic day, we headed to the spa. We enjoyed the whirlpool, hot sauna, steam room and lounging around the outdoor fire pit. If you are ever looking to escape the crazy of everyday life, I highly recommend a stay at the Miraval Resort! Oh and be sure to stop by the gift shop too. ?

Behind the Scenes: Tucson Gem Show

It’s that time of year again; to put on our sensible shoes, grab our sketchpads and head to the gem show. The entire city of Tucson turns into a wonderland of natural materials. If you can imagine it, they have it. We love walking through tents filled with stones of every kind and in all phases of production. There’s everything from raw chunks of turquoise to freshly cut diamonds. If we find something we just can’t live without then we’ll go ahead and buy it, but really our main goal is to see what materials are available and get some inspiration. Similar to how a “farm to table” chef would walk through the garden to pick out ingredients for a meal, we like to select the raw stones and then see how we can make them new. As you may already know, the material we use is mined from the earth. What you may not know though is how much the same material can vary over different periods of time. For example, Janette may be designing a necklace with large free-form pieces of blue Amazonite but what is currently being mined has more green tones to it. She will either have to rework the design, find a different type of stone altogether, or shelf the idea until they hit the color she is looking for. I will have to admit that Janette stays very focused on the task at hand while I tend to also look for “personal buys.” It’s the interior designer in me. My mind starts thinking about making lamps, tables, accessories…who knows maybe NEST will expand!

Why We Chose the Name “NEST”

Who knew that the hardest part of launching a new jewelry line would be coming up with the name! We started with the obvious, trying to combine Janette Wilkinson and Jana Erwin but we couldn’t come up with anything catchy so we were forced to think outside of the box. We wanted our customer to know instantly that our pieces are natural, worldly and handmade. We wanted an organic feel that still brought that sense of luxury. We wanted something simple yet bold, that’s when it came to us! We travel the world collecting pieces of natural materials bringing them all back to be handcrafted into wearable art just as a bird collects materials and brings them home to build their NEST.

After indulging over the holidays, my body is in need of some clean eating. This Clean Coconut Soup is the best for getting back on track. It has all the necessary flavors of spicy, salty, sour, and bitter to tantalize the taste buds. When anyone in my house is feeling under the weather this is my go-to soup. I swear by it. The best part is that it’s super easy to make and you can modify the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Sticking to rules ruins creativity so make it your own!

First, I went and picked some lemongrass from my back patio. If you enjoy Thai food I suggest you plant this in your garden immediately. Or, you can plant it in a pot like I did. Lemongrass is super easy to keep alive for those of you who don’t have a “green thumb” and looks great as a decoration.

Some people dry and eat the leaves. I find them too stringy so I only use the root end.

Then, I quickly pick a lime or two from my lime tree and head inside to start cooking.

I suggest using organic products. They’ll taste better, have more nutrition and you don’t have to worry about contaminates that could be harmful to your body. Also, you don’t need to measure out these ingredients. Getting somewhere close will do the trick!

Ingredients:

2-3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces

1-2 cans of coconut milk, depending on how creamy or broth based you want it (I suggest you don’t get the ‘reduced fat’ because this is a good fat that your body needs and it tastes better!)

Kefir lime leaves (or regular lime leaves) – use them like you would a bay leaf, don’t eat them. I like to add 3-4. You should be able to find them in the spice section of your grocery store.

2 tablespoons of fish sauce – this is what gives it a nice salty taste

2 pieces of lemongrass roots – you will not eat this either, just smash it up a bit to release the flavors and throw it in the pot

1 package of baby belle mushrooms – handful, cut in fourths

Cilantro – handful, coarsely chopped (optional)

1 organic chicken bullion cube for more of a rich flavor and yellow color (optional)

Directions:

Heat coconut oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper the chicken and add it to the pot. Stir until cooked thoroughly. Add the minced garlic and stir approximately one minute. Don’t let the garlic burn. Next, add the chicken/vegetable stock and coconut milk. Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.

Cook at least 20-30 minutes or until all vegetables are soft. You can serve immediately but the flavor is much better if you allow it to sit overnight and reheat the following day. We have so many flavors here that the longer they combine the better.

It’s hard for me to wait to eat it but I do always like the leftovers the following day much better. Make sure you leave any ingredients that you aren’t going to eat (i.e. Kefir lime leaves, lemongrass) in the pot to continue to flavor the liquid.

Traveling is a necessary part of the design process. When we’re in a new environment our senses are heightened. Shapes, textures and colors get our creative juices flowing and even the light itself seems to have more sparkle. We almost always bring our families along when we travel and the love we experienced in Greece was like no other place we had visited before.

I had a Greek salad every. single. day. The Mediterranean diet is perfection. Everything is fresh and the olive oil flows as freely as the wine. Vendors along the street had local honey and sun-ripened fruit that was offered along with a warm smile.

We stayed in the suite at Athens Gate Hotel overlooking the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

This was the view from the balcony outside my room. Unreal!

Athens is so rich in architecture, music and food.

Even the graffiti is beautiful.

I highly recommend a private walking tour to bring this ancient city to life. I went with Paige Moore, a native “Houstonian” who was living in Athens at the time. As we walked from site to site, she told us the stories of ancient Greek mythology in such detail that you could almost see the scene playing out before you. Paige is now back in Houston and offers consulting on all things Greek at www.mythkafe.com .

And of course, I had to dip my toes into the Aegean Sea.

We often reference the simple yet mystical feel of Greece when we’re creating a new line. It was an experience that we will never forget.

If you are stateside and haven’t seen the news, you may not know that Scotland has recently experienced terrible flooding. It is heartbreaking. I had the privilege of calling Scotland home for two amazing years and during that time I immersed myself in all things Scottish. From the coast to the Highlands, I explored castles, whiskey distilleries, went to the Highland Games, and even attended two Burns suppers (a yearly celebration filled with traditional foods, clothing and literature of Robert Burns). The experience was life changing. Today I want to take you along one of my favorite drives up A-93 from Aberdeen to Ballater, where the Balmoral Castle is located and is still a retreat for The Queen and the Royal Family in the summer months.

The Cambus O’May footbridge built in 1905 is nothing short of breathtaking. The first picture I saw of the destruction caused by the flooding of the Dee River was of this bridge. It was always our first stop on our way out of Aberdeen. After crossing the bridge, we would hop out of the car to explore the majestic forests that stretch alongside the river.

If we were lucky, we’d get to see the legendary highland cow grazing in a pasture along the narrow, winding road. To sound like a local you will need to pronounce it “HEE-LAND COO.”

Once we reached the town of Ballater, it was like stepping back in time. The train station where Queen Victoria would arrive to take a carriage to her castle is still there and a perfect symbol of traditional royalty. The local shops, such as the butcher, baker and candlestick maker, are dotted with signs that show The Queen’s approval. This is considered the highest honor.

After grabbing a cup of tea in this adorable, Victorian-style town we’d head to the main attraction: Balmoral Castle.

On the castle grounds there is a marvelous, expansive garden that supplies all the food served to The Royal Family and the entire staff. They also have chickens, both for their eggs and to help naturally reduce insects that could be harmful to the plants. I love that they take the time to organically and naturally grow, fertilize, and harvest their food. It’s not always the fastest way but it’s the right way and we have always made sure that Nest operates under that same philosophy.

Having had a long day filled with adventures, we were pretty worn out so we decided to unwind at the quaint Darroch Learg Hotel. They have the best “caviar starters” paired with a “wee dram” (a.k.a. a small shot of scotch whiskey). And of course, a dinner that was to die for.

Although the recent floods have been damaging, I am certain once the repairs have been made that A-93 will be as beautiful and charming as ever! Safe travels!

Behind the Scenes: Spring Photo Shoot

Photo shoots are a blast. It is one of my favorite times in the design cycle. The many months of dreaming, sketching and creating have come to a close and all the orders from our large retailers like Saks, Neimans, and Intermix are in. Now we finally get to show you the looks that will be available in the upcoming season.

A Different Way To Do The Holidays

I love the movie ‘The Grinch’ starring Jim Carey. When I say love, I mean I can nearly recite the entire masterpiece by heart. This Christmas season I ask you, using the famous words of Cindy Lou Who, “Is it all a bit superfluous?” Several years ago I found myself up to my elf ears in Christmas cards, shopping lists, cookie exchanges, and completely stressed about buying gifts for my extended family. I decided it was time to let some traditions and expectations retire to a long winter’s nap. I suggested that instead of getting presents for each other, we go on a trip! Everyone was thrilled with the idea and we headed down to Costa Rica for a Christmas getaway that we still talk about today. Now our entire family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sometimes even the dog) takes a vacation together at least once a year. We still have a lovely Christmas with our immediate families, complete with good food, wine and lots of laughter. We just took the pressures of gift giving off of our shoulders and replaced it with quality time and new adventures. This season I challenge you to think outside the beautifully gift wrapped box and decide for yourself what this holiday means to you. What changes could bring you the most yuletide cheer?

With the holidays right around the corner, I have started to reflect on all the things that I have to be thankful for. My list is long, but at the very top of it is my family. Without family there wouldn’t be a “NEST Jewelry.” Many people don’t know this but my sister, Janette Wilkinson, and I started Nest! I know some of you might think this sounds crazy. Who in their right mind would work with family, right? I know it’s pretty rare but we love it and we’re better as a team than apart. And the family ties don’t stop there. Our niece is the production manager and head of PR and our office manager is a childhood friend! All our board members are relatives and even the pretty blonde you see modeling for us from time to time is family. That’s why when you wear NEST you can feel the love. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

This ‘Citrus’ Deal is SWEET!

Unless you are an avid gardener and overall lover of food like me, you may not realize that now is the season of citrus. The limbs of my fruit trees are drooping from the weight of all the gorgeous mandarins, limes and lemons. We should all take full advantage of this “sweet” time of year with one of my favorite drink recipes. There’s no better way to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Have You SPOTTED Our Newest Horn Pieces?

Horn has been a NEST best seller since 2006 and this season has us seeing spots! Our Spotted Horn collection is just the right twist on our timeless classic. The skilled artisans of NEST use the otherwise wasted material to mold beautiful earrings, pendants, and bracelets for your everyday wear. Repurposing organic matter to give it new life is the foundation of all that we do. We love keeping this centuries-old practice alive while keeping you on trend! Get SPOTTED wearing your NEST.

At NEST Jewelry, we love love love Fashion Week. It’s like getting to look into a crystal ball and seeing the newest thoughts and ideas that will soon become the mainstream trends. We run from show to show, packing in as many as we can, and we are almost always exhausted after the experience. As tired as our feet may be, we are too excited to slow down so we always hit our favorite place to shop in New York City: Saks Fifth Avenue! We believe accessories are the easiest way to update your wardrobe (Shocking! I know.), so if you get the chance to stop into Saks go check out our latest collection of jewels on the first floor in the Designer Jewelry department. Of course if you can’t be in NYC for Fashion Week, or if you are and your feet just can’t take another step, then you can always find our pieces online at both Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Using natural elements like semiprecious gemstones, horn and metals is definitely not the easiest medium to create with but it is what we believe in. While many have turned to the synthetic replicas, we have stayed true to our mission of keeping our line natural. The process of finding the raw material, having it cut to specification and then hand-selecting every individual stone is time consuming but it is the only way to get the highest quality. Synthetics can mimic a look but they just don’t have the same feel. Using natural materials from the earth also means our resources are limited. There have been times we wanted to use the same agate or turquoise from a previous season and we can’t get the same color or pattern. Sometimes we can’t get the material at all! As frustrating as this can be, it adds uniqueness to each piece that mass production does not allow. We are proud to say that our hands have touched each stone, our eyes have studied each piece of horn and our hearts have loved each design.